2003 Quiet Ride Compartment Divider / Trunk Partition

[Terry B.]

I purchased a 2003 Coupe in July and I'm very happy with it except for the tire/road noise that I hear in the interior. I have read on this Board that changing tires will help lessen the noise problem but I only have 5200 miles on the car and I'm not thinking the tire route. I ran across the product below and I was wondering if anyone has tired this remedy? All comments about reducing the tire/road noise will be appreciated. Thanks!




"Quiet Ride" Compartment Divider with Carpet
*Reduces Road and Exhaust Noise 40-60%
*Improves Stereo Sound Quality
*Embroidered 50th Logo
*Carpeted on Face Side
*Compression Fit

[Tom H.]

Re: 2003 Quiet Ride Compartment Divider / Trunk Partition

Can't see the item for sure, but it looks like a convertible item. Don't see how it would work in a coupe. The noise you hear is most likely the tires. Even with 5000 miles, the Goodyear becomes noisy, as it wears uneven. You are right. You cannot rotate them. Just watch the pressure and be sure to keep them to spec to prevent additional wear. Replace with the Michelin Pilot when the time comes.

[Chris E.]

Re: 2003 Quiet Ride Compartment Divider / Trunk Partition

Actually, that item is for hardtop/Z06 only. It is designed to fit right behind where the shorter Z06 rear window comes straight down to the rear decklid. A friend of mine with his 02 Z06 has one, and it does help road noise.

I used to own a 2000 coupe, and short of different tires or pulling up the carpet to install Dynamat, there isn't a lot you can do. Sorry.

[Terry B.]

Re: 2003 Quiet Ride Compartment Divider / Trunk Partition

Tom and Chris,

I was able to produce a larger picture of the product sold by Corvette Central for you both to see. (See first post) I read what you said Tom about only working in convertibles. I sure hope it can work in a coupe too but not sure how it will be able to block off the sound. Chris mentioned that he has seen it work in a Zo6. Is there any major difference between a Zo6 and coupe's interior that would prevent it from functioning the same way as it would function in the Zo6?

[Clem Z.]

Re: 2003 Quiet Ride Compartment Divider / Trunk Partition

Tom and Chris,

I was able to produce a larger picture of the product sold by Corvette Central for you both to see. (See first post) I read what you said Tom about only working in convertibles. I sure hope it can work in a coupe too but not sure how it will be able to block off the sound. Chris mentioned that he has seen it work in a Zo6. Is there any major difference between a Zo6 and coupe's interior that would prevent it from functioning the same way as it would function in the Zo6?

the early ZO-6s were converts with a fixed hardtop roof. take the tires to someone with a tire "lathe" and have the tires trued to get rid of the funny worn spots but of course this will take miles from the tires as they will remove rubber. they will have to be rebalanced after truing. also have the front aligned so you have as close as possible to "0" camber to prevent excess wear in the inside edges which will make lots of tire noise. took me 3 new C-5 to figure this out

[Chris E.]

Re: 2003 Quiet Ride Compartment Divider / Trunk Partition

Terry,

You might be able to get it to fit in a coupe (not exactly sure how it secures), but it won't help all that much, in my opinion. The reason why people like these for their Z06 / convertible cars is that it COMPLETELY closes off the opening between the trunk and the passenger compartment. In a coupe, it would only close off half of it.

Here is the difference between the Z06/convertible trunk (where that product is designed to be used) and the coupe trunk that you have.

Z06 / Convertible trunk


Coupe trunk


Hopefully this helps. You can certainly order it and try it, I just don't think you'll be that impressed. Just my opinion though.

I have ridden in a 02 Z06 that DID have this installed, and it did help, but again I think the issue with installing it in the coupe is that it wouldn't completely cover the opening.

[Terry B.]

Re: 2003 Quiet Ride Compartment Divider / Trunk Partition

Chris,

Thanks for the pictures and the explanation. I now understand the difference in the installation. It doesn't look as if it will help much installed in a coupe. I wish there was an easy fix to the problem instead of pulling out the carpet and putting sound deading in or purchasing new tires. Maybe someone will have another remedy they have tried and will comment.

Terry

[Tom H.]

Re: 2003 Quiet Ride Compartment Divider / Trunk Partition

Hi Terry !

Don't bother with the carpet removal and insulation, it's the tires and it won't help much. I can't remember if your car is a glass top or painted top. A painted top has an actual headliner and insulation in it and can offer some quieting effect in a coupe.

Come on up to BUDS and I'll put a set of Michelins on it for ya !! You'll think you got a new car. I'll even buy those old tires !

[Troy P.]

Re: 2003 Quiet Ride Compartment Divider / Trunk Partition

No tire noise in my 2000 coupe because my exhaust system is so loud!
Seriously though, before changing the exhaust to headers, X pipe, cat backs, I did change tires to Michelins and they are much better than the stock tires. Before going with the exhaust I installed foil backed foam insulation under all the carpet and I have two layers of Lloyds thick custom carpet mats in the rear hatch area. Its still loud. But that's because my cat backs drone at highway speed in 6th gear. How unlucky is that?

[Rob M.]

Re: 2003 Quiet Ride Compartment Divider / Trunk Partition

Change those tires today to Continental Contact II's!!! One day when you restore your car in the further future you'll be gratefull you took the original tiers of and kept them in your basement...

greetings,
Rob.

[Henry F.]

Re: 2003 Quiet Ride Compartment Divider / Trunk Partition

Try adding a Borla exhaust system(Sport) or trade-up to a C6. I switched from a C5 to a C6 and added the Borla!